Originally posted by dhaen These are counterfeit, and carry a virus payload that may be executed in unpatched MS outlook/ outlook express on opening.

Yes, the virus guys are having a great time.
As always, keep your system and virus scanner patched, preferably on a daily bases and install a decent firewall.
Performing those simple tasks, I'm able to stay virus free for many years now.

Originally posted by kelticwizard My question is: does Microsoft actually send Emails out to people who use their OS? Is their such a thing as a legit unsolicited Email from Microsoft?

In my experience dealing with Microsoft over many years, they will not send e-mails unless you ask to be included in one of their several mailing lists.
If you register with them and get e-mails, you can still change your profile and uncheck the selected mailing lists. The messages will stop coming immediately.
If you have not signed up with Microsoft, messages you receive most likely come from a spoofed address and I suggest you delete them without opening.

The Powerbook is a good option. You could also re-purpose your Intel box and install Red Hat Linux with Gnome for the GUI and Ximian (http://www.ximian.com) for e-mail client. It is, by design, meant to closely resemble Microsoft Outlook.